Pressure Points For Migraine Relief

This article was supported by Pfizer Medical Affairs

If you've ever experienced migraine, you know — it’s the absolute worst. While medication and lifestyle changes are key to managing them, adding another tool, like pressure point therapy can help ease the pain.

What are pressure points?

Pressure points, or acupressure, are kind of like acupuncture — but without the needles. Instead, you use your fingers to press on specific spots on your body that may help relieve pain. People have used acupressure for centuries for everything from stress relief to nausea, and some say it can help with migraine, too.

The concept comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which believes the body has energy pathways called meridians. If these pathways get blocked, it’s thought that pain and illness can follow. By applying pressure to key points, you may help restore balance and promote relief.

How can pressure points help with migraine?

While we don’t know exactly why pressure points might work, there are a few solid theories:

• They release natural painkillers. Applying pressure can trigger the release of endorphins, your body’s natural way of reducing pain.
• They relax tense muscles. Many people with migraine carry tension in their neck, shoulders, and scalp. Stimulating pressure points can help loosen those tight muscles.
• They improve blood flow. Better circulation means less inflammation and, potentially, less pain.
• They calm the nervous system. Migraine can send your nerves into overdrive, and acupressure may help soothe that heightened response.
• They force you to pause. Sometimes, simply taking a moment to breathe and focus on your body can help lower stress, which is a major migraine trigger.

The best pressure points for migraine relief

Want to give it a try? Here are some pressure points that might help ease your migraine symptoms:

Third eye point (Yintang)

Where? Between your eyebrows, at the bridge of your nose.

Try it: Apply gentle pressure for a few minutes to help relieve headache pain and encourage relaxation.

Temples (Taiyang)

Where? On either side of your forehead, about an inch outside the outer corners of your eyes.

Try it: Massage these points in circular motions to reduce tension and ease migraine pain.

Hand pressure point (LI-4, Hegu)

Where? In the webbing between your thumb and index finger.

Try it: Apply firm pressure here for a minute or two — it’s known to help with headaches and facial pain.

Neck base (GB-20, Feng Chi)

Where? At the base of your skull, in the hollows on both sides of your neck.

Try it: Massage these points to relieve neck tension that often comes with migraine.

How to use pressure points for migraine relief

To get the most out of acupressure:

• Find a quiet space where you can relax.
• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
• Apply firm but gentle pressure — you should feel a dull ache, but not pain.
• Hold the pressure for 30 seconds to a few minutes.
• Breathe deeply to enhance the effect.
• Experiment with different points to see what works best for you.
• Repeat throughout the day if needed.

Will pressure points help alleviate migraine symptoms?

Real talk: pressure points aren’t a guaranteed fix. Some people swear by them, while others don’t notice much of a difference. But since they’re safe, natural, and easy to do anywhere, they’re worth a try. Even if they don’t stop a migraine attack entirely, they might take the edge off — and when you're dealing with that level of pain, any relief is a win.

A few things to keep in mind

• If you have cuts, rashes, or injuries on your skin, avoid pressing on those areas.
• If you're pregnant, check with your healthcare provider before trying acupressure (some points are believed to stimulate labor).
• If your migraine pain is frequent or severe, talk to a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions and explore the best treatment options.

At the end of the day, pressure points are just one tool in your migraine relief toolkit. Try them out, see what works for you, and remember — many people are on the same journey, testing out different ways to find relief.

Have you tried pressure points for migraine? Let us know what worked for you.

Blair Sharp is a freelance writer who lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. Her words have been published in various publications, including Parents, SheKnows, The Bump, and Insider. You can find her watching reality TV and sharing too many reels with her friends when she's not writing. To connect with Blair, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram, or head to her website www.blairsharp.com.